Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apt are appropriate, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than apt?

While in some cases nearly identical to apt, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can felicitous be used instead of apt?

The words felicitous and apt can be used in similar contexts, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

In what contexts can fit take the place of apt?

In some situations, the words fit and apt are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than apt?

While the synonyms fitting and apt are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to apt?

The words happy and apt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When would meet be a good substitute for apt?

The meanings of meet and apt largely overlap; however, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When could proper be used to replace apt?

Although the words proper and apt have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When is it sensible to use suitable instead of apt?

The synonyms suitable and apt are sometimes interchangeable, but suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of apt It should also be noted that what a college head coach says on Monday is apt to change by Tuesday. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025 While naming the exploration vehicle a bus is standard practice when referring to any spacecraft body designed to carry scientific instrumentation, its use this time is especially apt. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025 Gilgeous-Alexander’s metaphor is apt because so many quality defenders dot this roster. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 The religious nature of the analogy is apt, given the elevated status of these three brands among Switzerland’s watch houses. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for apt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • And while water tends to run right off of it, leaves and pine straw are prone to cling to the mat.
    Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025
  • How the car warm-up routine began The winter warm-up routine started decades ago when vehicles were more prone to stalling in frigid temperatures, according to Carfax.
    Jalen Williams, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, generally, a surprising number of business owners fail to protect their company's products and brands with suitable patents and trademarks.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Its latest tiny home continues to embrace this rustic aesthetic and provides a remarkably spacious and comfortable interior suitable for a family.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These marked a departure from Mukherjee’s usual festive and bridal wear, which are heavily inclined towards traditional Indian styles, such as saris, ghagra cholis and sherwanis.
    Riddhi Doshi, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
  • With an integration that automates data entry and improves the accuracy of relationship intelligence, many more dealmakers will be inclined to use (and trust) the CRM.
    Ray Zhou, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Daniel Driscoll, the military veteran and businessman whom Trump has nominated to lead the Army, said today at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee that conducting such training near an airport like Reagan might not be appropriate.
    NBC News, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Precautions When Taking Supplements Supplementing may not be appropriate for everyone.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether or not this truly marks the end of The Weeknd, his ability to merge music and visual spectacle continues to evolve, making Hurry Up Tomorrow a fitting conclusion to this phase of his career.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Intentional or otherwise, this makes for a fitting embodiment of how mane people operate amid global tragedy; out of sight, out of mind.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Like any other law enforcement agency, ICE must check in, show identification, and present proper documentation before taking any action on our campuses.
    Christina Shaw, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Those helium cells will use an array of temperature, pressure and humidity sensors to maintain proper lift through the variable conditions of air travel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The bodice of the frock featured a fitted look with intricate, shimmering silver and gray embroidery with a botanical design throughout.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Try slouchy or slim-fit designs tucked under midi hemlines, from skirts to dresses, and wider shafts with fitted or straight-leg jeans tucked in.
    Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • This pair fits the bill with a versatile dark wash, mid-rise fit, and loose style throughout the hips and thighs.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The performance fit was another win: the suspenders have good stretch without moving out of place.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near apt

Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apt

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